Sound quality: Sony's SRS-ZR7 had good sound quality overall. Bass has good impact and goes fairly deep but is a bit prominent and boomy. Midrange is fairly even but is a bit "dark" and soft. Treble is subdued and upper treble is muted. So-so recovery of room ambience, sounds somewhat congested, and lacks fine detail. No significant difference between Wifi, Bluetooth, wired, USB and HDMI sound quality except that bass is somewhat pronounced when wired. Provides a decent volume level in a medium sized room. When two units are used as a stereo pair sound quality remains somewhat congested and "dark", it can get louder but since two separate speakers are used the sound stage can be made wider depending on placement and room ambience improves to decent, sound quality remains good.
Ease of use: We found the system's ease of use to be good overall. Bluetooth pairing was very easy. Connecting to a Wi-Fi network was very easy if you have a router with WPS capability. Connecting to a Wi-Fi network was fairly easy (download the free SongPal app on your Apple or Android mobile device and follow instructions which may require network password entry). Touch controls are prominent but are medium contrast and can get difficult to read under certain lighting conditions. Console lacks mute control. Source button that is prominent and clearly labeled and clearly indicates with backlit words which source has been selected. Remote control app is very good overall.
